Not Just Words: The Art of Praying Right
Ever wondered how David could talk to God with such raw honesty—saying things we’d never imagine coming from a believer’s lips? What made his prayers so different?
As we go through the Psalms, one thing becomes clear: David never held anything back when he approached God. He didn’t try to appear perfect. He brought his whole heart—messy, broken, joyful, angry, sorrowful. We’ve often come across his prayers against enemies and sat down to compare them with some gospel songs—especially the kind by artists like Rose Muhando, such as Wanyamazishe. And then comes the question: Was David complaining? Was he murmuring? Was he blaming others? If so, why are such raw emotions and harsh words recorded in the Bible?
The Psalms generally communicate three core themes: a plea, a thank you, and a sorry. They are full of words we need to say to God—no fancy interpretation needed. They express our hearts, our emotions, and our thoughts. Whether it’s deep grief (“put my tears in your bottle”), great joy, frustration, or even anger, it’s all in there.
Imprecatory Psalms: The Uncomfortable Prayers
Among the Psalms are the imprecatory ones—where the psalmist cries out to God for justice and judgment against the wicked (Psalms 2, 3, 4, etc.). These are the sad, lamenting songs—the kinds that pour out from a wounded soul crying for help. They’re not self-indulgent pity parties. They are broken-hearted prayers directed to a righteous God who sees, hears, and heals.
When we cherry-pick bits from Psalms, we risk turning them into self-pity anthems, much like some of today’s songs that center on “me, myself, and I.” Yes, David called on God to deal with his enemies—but he didn’t end there. He admitted his pain, he acknowledged his brokenness, and he trusted God.
Let’s be real. Sickness, injustice, and sorrow can shake our spiritual life. Have you ever been so unwell you couldn’t even find the strength to pray? Or been so frustrated by injustice that your heart just wants to scream? Look at us in Kenya. The cycle of corruption and injustice seems never-ending. We wonder, Will we ever see real change?
In those moments, our hearts naturally want to cry out. But before we “massacre” the Psalms or use them to justify our anger, can we learn from David’s prayer format?
David’s Prayer Structure
A Cry for Help
A Complaint – Naming what is wrong
A Trust in God’s Faithfulness
A Petition – Asking God to intervene
A Vow of Praise
This structure helps us stay grounded. It’s okay to express our pain, but let’s not stop there. Let’s move toward hope and praise—just like David did.
Let’s Talk About Us—Kenyans and Prayer
We’ve sung songs like “Ni maombi, si uchawi,” sometimes in our foolishness. But now we’re seeing it clearly—God can use a leader to either bless or discipline a nation. When we pray, we often ask God to remove a certain leader or change our situation our way. But let’s not forget: God is not a genie we rub the right way to get our wishes. He is holy, sovereign, and just. In everything, the glory must return to Him.
He sees the pain of His people. He is never asleep. He knows the injustice in our nation.
So instead of struggling to find the right words, let’s pray Scripture—especially Psalms that speak directly to our situation. There’s no editing needed. Just read, meditate, and present it to God.
Example: Praying Psalm 10 for Kenya
1 Why do You stand far off, O Lord? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
2 In pride and arrogance the wicked hotly pursue and persecute the afflicted; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.
3 For the wicked boasts and sings the praises of his heart’s desire,
And the greedy man curses and spurns [and even despises] the Lord.
4 The wicked in the haughtiness of his countenance will not seek nor inquire of Him;
All his thoughts are, “There is no God [so there is no accountability or punishment].”
5 His ways prosper at all times;
Your judgments, Lord, are on high [out of his sight, so he never thinks about them];
As for all his enemies, he sneers at them.
6 He says to himself, “I will not be moved;
For throughout all generations I will not be in adversity [for I have done no wrong].”
7 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and fraud;
Under his tongue is mischief and wickedness.
8 He lurks in the hiding places of the villages;
In the secret places he kills the innocent;
His eyes [secretly] watch for the unfortunate (helpless).
9 He lurks in secret like a lion in his lair;
He lurks to catch the afflicted;
He catches the afflicted when he draws him into his net.
10 He crouches, he bows down,
And the helpless fall by his mighty claws.
11 He says to himself, “God has forgotten;
He has hidden His face; He will never see my deed.”
12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Your hand [do not forget the suffering].
13 Why has the wicked spurned God?
He has said to himself, “You will not require an account.”
14 You have seen it, for You have taken note of mischief and vexation (irritation and trouble) to take it into Your hand.
The unfortunate commits himself to You,
You are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer,
Seek out his wickedness until You find none.
16 The Lord is King forever and ever;
The nations will perish from His land.
17 O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble and oppressed;
You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to hear,
18 To vindicate and obtain justice for the fatherless and the oppressed,
So that man, who is of the earth, will no longer terrify them.
Let’s Arise and Pray Right
Let’s not be overwhelmed or discouraged. God’s Word gives us the language of honest, powerful prayer. The Psalms are not just poetic songs—they are battle cries, laments, and declarations of trust. They teach us that praying right isn’t about polished words—it’s about heart posture.
is is a powerful and timely prayer for our nation. Imagine how much more meaningful our petitions would be if we prayed this way—as a people seeking justice from the only righteous Judge.
So, let us arise, Kenya. Let us pray right. Let us knock at heaven’s door with the very words of Scripture—and trust that God will hear, answer, and heal our land
